Parents Weep, Rejoice as Oyo Schoolchildren Return Home After 56 Days in Kidnappers’ Den

BY FRONTLINE REPORTERS

There were tears of joy, heartfelt prayers and emotional embraces at the Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, on Tuesday as schoolchildren and teachers rescued from kidnappers reunited with their families after spending 56 harrowing days in captivity.
For many parents, it was a day they had prayed endlessly for. Mothers wept uncontrollably as they held their children close for the first time in nearly two months, while fathers lifted the rescued pupils in their arms in overwhelming relief and gratitude.
The hospital premises transformed into a scene of celebration and thanksgiving as anxious parents, who had arrived in the early hours of the day, waited patiently for medical clearance that would finally pave the way for their children’s homecoming.
The emotional atmosphere reached its peak when the Chief Medical Director of LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Prof. Olawale Olakulehin, stepped forward to announce the names of victims certified medically fit for discharge. Each name called was greeted with loud cheers, tears and warm embraces as parents rushed to reunite with their loved ones.
Some mothers rolled on the floor in thanksgiving to God, while others clung tightly to their children, unwilling to let go after weeks of anguish, uncertainty and sleepless nights.
The rescued victims, comprising pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, regained their freedom on July 10 after enduring 56 days in the kidnappers’ den.
One of the rescued teachers, Mrs. Mary Dahunsi, who walked out of the hospital carrying her baby on her back and accompanied by her husband, expressed gratitude to God and all Nigerians who stood by the victims throughout their ordeal.
“We thank God for preserving our lives. We appreciate President Bola Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde, security agencies, clerics and all Nigerians who prayed for us and never forgot us while we were in captivity. We pray that such an experience never befalls anyone again,” she said emotionally.
Several parents also poured out their appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde, security operatives and religious leaders for their efforts, prayers and unwavering support during the difficult period.
Despite the traumatic experience, many parents rejected suggestions that they should relocate from their communities, insisting they had nowhere else to call home.
One grateful mother thanked God for the safe return of all four of her children and her son’s wife, describing the reunion as nothing short of a miracle.
Providing an update on the victims’ health status, Prof. Olakulehin disclosed that 31 of the 39 rescued pupils had been discharged, while eight remained under medical observation and treatment.
He further revealed that medical specialists discovered a congenital heart defect in one of the rescued children during a routine medical evaluation—a condition unknown to the child’s parents before the examination.
According to him, the child, who was found to have a hole in the heart, is stable and responding well, while the hospital has commenced the necessary medical procedures and will notify the Oyo State Government to facilitate further treatment.
The hospital had received 44 rescued victims, including pupils and teachers, from the Oyo State Government on Monday evening for comprehensive medical and psychological assessments.
Hospital sources disclosed that about 35 victims, including teachers and other adults, had been certified medically fit and discharged to reunite with their families.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has announced plans to strengthen security in Oriire Local Government Area following the abduction. The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, disclosed that two military bases and specialised security units would be deployed to the area to forestall future attacks.
Recall that armed bandits invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; L.A. Primary School; and Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esienle, in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, 2026, abducting 39 pupils and six teachers.
After spending 56 agonising days in captivity, the victims regained their freedom on July 10 and subsequently underwent medical and psychological evaluations at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital before their emotional reunion with their families.
Tuesday’s reunion was not just the end of a painful chapter for the rescued victims and their families—it was a powerful reminder of the resilience of hope, the strength of prayers and the immeasurable joy of bringing loved ones back home.